Tool bar with quick release tool lock

Abstract

A tool bar is provided with rotatable tool carrying sections having a quick release lock.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A quick release tool lock for farm implement tool bars comprising: a tool bar comprised of three sections, a fixed middle section and first and second tool carrying sections positioned to either side of the middle section, the three sections being substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis, the first and second tool carrying sections constructed and arranged for rotation with each other with respect to the fixed middle section around the longitudinal axis;   locking means constructed and arranged for cooperatively locking the tool carrying sections in a plurality of rotated positions with respect to the fixed section, the locking means comprising: a manually operable locking pin;   a pin support attached to the fixed section of the tool bar, carrying the locking pin for longitudinal movement between a locking and release position;   a pin receiving means attached to a tool carrying section for rotation therewith and including at least two pin receiving apertures for selective registration and engagement with the locking pin when in the locked position.     
     
     
       2. A quick release tool lock for farm implement tool bars comprising: a tool bar comprised of three sections, a fixed middle section and first and second tool carrying sections positioned to either side of the middle section, the three sections being substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis, the first and second tool carrying sections constructed and arranged for rotation with each other with respect to the fixed middle section around the longitudinal axis;   a pair of locking means, each being positioned near each end of the fixed middle portion of the tool bar, and being constructed and arranged for cooperatively locking each tool carrying section in a plurality of rotated positions with respect to the fixed section, each locking means comprising: a manually operable locking pin;   a pin support attached to the fixed section of the tool bar, carrying the locking pin for longitudinal movement between a locking and release position;   a pin receiving means attached to a tool carrying section for rotation therewith and including at least two pin receiving apertures for selective registration and engagement with the locking pin when in the locked position.     
     
     
       3. A quick release tool lock for farm implement tool bars comprising: a tool bar comprised of three sections of hollow square tubing, the tool bar surrounding an elongate axle which extends the entire length of the tool bar and defines a longitudinal axis, the three sections defining a fixed middle section and first and second tool carrying sections positioned to either side of the middle section, the three sections being aligned along the longitudinal axis, the first and second tool carrying sections being welded to the axle for rotation therewith with respect to the fixed middle section;   a pair of locking means, each being positioned near each end of the fixed middle portion of the tool bar, and being constructed and arranged for cooperatively locking each tool carrying section in "up" and "down" positions with respect to the fixed section, each locking means comprising: a manually operable locking pin, the locking pin including a locking pin handle portion extending perpendicular to the locking pin;   a pin support attached to the fixed section of the tool bar, carrying the locking pin for longitudinal movement between a locking and release position;   a compression spring carried inside the pin support which biases the locking pin in the normally locked position;   a first plate attached to the end of the middle section and attached to the pin support and including an aperture through which the locking pin extends when in the locked position;   a second plate attached to a tool carrying section for rotation therewith and including two locking pin receiving apertures for selective registration and engagement with the locking pin when in the locked position;   a locking pin stop means comprising a stop pin extending through the locking pin and perpendicular thereto and constructed and arranged to abut a washer attached to the first plate;     the locking pins each extending a predetermined distance such that the locking pin handles may both be squeezed with one hand of an operator,   whereby an operator may release the locking pins by squeezing the locking pin handles and manually lift or lower a pair of tools attached to either end of the tool bar between "up" and "down" positions.